• Forged in Wartime: Includes the 1943 steel penny and 1944–1946 shell casing cents, struck from repurposed battlefield materials during WWII to conserve copper for the war effort.

• Minted Coast to Coast: Features coins from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, with visible wheat back designs that reflect the classic style of mid-century U.S. coinage.

• History You Can Hold: Comes sealed in a protective acrylic case with a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a powerful keepsake of American strength, sacrifice, and ingenuity.

Step back in time and hold a piece of American resilience with the Patriotic Pennies Collection – 12 Piece Set. Struck during the height of World War II, these genuine U.S. coins tell the story of a nation united by sacrifice and determination. Faced with the urgent need to conserve copper for wartime efforts, the U.S. Mint made a bold move—altering the very composition of its humble penny.

This historic collection includes the iconic 1943 steel cent, a coin unlike any before or after, minted from zinc-coated steel as copper was diverted to ammunition and military equipment. Equally compelling are the 1944, 1945, and 1946 pennies, minted using melted shell casings recovered from the battlefields—transforming tools of war into symbols of peace and perseverance. These transitional wartime cents were struck at all three U.S. Mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—and proudly display both their obverse portraits and the classic wheat backs that defined the era.

Each coin is beautifully preserved and presented in a sealed acrylic case, offering a striking and educational display. The set also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming the coins’ origin and historical significance. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a history enthusiast, or someone looking for a meaningful gift, this collection is a poignant reminder of how even the smallest coin can carry the weight of a nation’s story.